The Temple of Debod is one of the great treasures that Madrid hides. It is located west of the Plaza de España, next to the Parque del Oeste.

The temple, originally from ancient Egypt and 2,200 years old, was a gift from Egypt to Spain for its collaboration in the rescue of the temples of Nubia. Thanks to the international aid Egypt managed to save, among others, the Temple of Abu Simbel, temple that would otherwise have been buried in the construction of the Great Dam of Aswan.

The Temple of Debod was inaugurated on July 20, 1972 after two years of reconstruction. It was a complicated process since, in addition to not having good plans, in the dismantling and transport some stones were lost.

During the first decades in Madrid the temple was not taken care of all due and even the area was considered unsafe. Currently, the city council is doing everything possible to achieve the best conservation of the temple and to extend the security of the Mountain Park.

Visit the Temple of Debod

The temple is surrounded by gardens and there are many people who take advantage of the place to go on a picnic. Our favorite time to visit the Temple of Debod is at sunset, when the light is more beautiful and you can take advantage to see it illuminated.

Access to the interior of the temple, despite not being as well preserved as the temples of Egypt, is free and worth it, especially if you have not visited Egypt. In the interior there is enough information of the Egyptian mythology and society and explanations of the hieroglyphics.

The temple has two floors, in the upper one you will find a very interesting model where you will see all the temples in Nubia. Do not miss it.